Their Bonds of Love

Chapter 8

Everything was so dark, and Conri couldn’t understand why. He didn’t think it was evening yet, and even if it was, didn’t the palace have any candles or torches? He made his way down a vast hall, seeing only a glimpse of moonlight from a window in a room with an open door. The sound of his footsteps against the stone floor was deafening.

He wasn’t sure how he knew he was in the palace, as he had only ever been there as a very young child, but he was sure of it. He also knew where he was going, even though it should have been impossible. The presence of Eleri up ahead moved him forward, never second-guessing that he knew the way.

They had been apart too long, and he didn’t just mean the past few weeks. They should have grown up together running these halls. They would have been each other’s first friends that later grew to something more. He felt now that they were indeed fated to be together, but it did not diminish the love he felt for her.

He didn’t care if it was some prophecy given by the goddess to some wise old woman long ago that made Eleri’s his. What mattered was he loved her for who she was. After getting to know her over the past few months, he couldn’t imagine a woman he could love more. She was brave and wise. While she wasn’t always gentle, she strove to show kindness to those she met. She was passionate and wild, and there was something just a bit dangerous about her that Conri liked. There were times he could not guess what she might do or say next, and it intrigued him.

She was not perfect. She could be impulsive and often too hard on herself. She was damaged by grief and mistrust. As she shared her failings and heartbreak to Conri, he found it made him love her more. Despite her inclination to protect herself, her ability to be vulnerable with him made him feel important to her. It made him feel like she trusted him. All of it combined entranced Conri until he was so deeply in love with her, he knew there could never be another. She tried to speak with him about meeting more women and finding one better suited to him and his position. He could not agree with her as there could be no other woman for him, and he knew there could not be a better queen for Elathia.

He peered into the darkness, seeing a large door towards the end of the hall. Something about it almost glowed in the darkness. As he neared it, he felt a soft breeze blow against his face that held a whisper of his name in Eleri’s voice. He stopped and closed his eyes as it swirled around him. He was so close to having her with him once again, and this time he would never let her go.

Coming to the door, he put his hand on the handle and pulled, but the door would not open. He pulled harder, but it still would not budge. He leaned in and put his ear against the door. He could hear muffled sounds of struggle and then Eleri calling out. He suddenly felt frantic to get through the door to help her.

He threw himself against it over and over, but it would not give. He stood back to gain speed to ram into it when he heard Eleri give a terrifying scream. Sitting up in his bed, it took him a moment to realize he was still in Cadwin Manor. He ran a hand through his hair as he breathed hard. Throwing the covers off the bed, he realized he was sweating even in the cool room. He jumped out of bed, feeling as if he should do something but knew there was nothing to do.

He paced in front of his fireplace, trying to calm his racing heart and breath slower. His dream had felt so real, and he was afraid Eleri was in grave danger as he stood in his bedroom miles and miles away. Walking up to the fireplace, he grabbed a poker and stirred the embers before putting on a small log. He watched as the fire caught again and added another log before sitting down in a nearby chair.

He drank some wine while he watched the fire and thought over his dream. He tried to convince himself it was nothing. Of course, he would dream of the palace and Eleri as they would be leaving the next day to save her. The others had tried to talk him out of going, saying he was too important, but nothing would hold him back from going to her.

He could never stay behind in Cadwin manor while he waited for others to see her out of the palace. He would find her and fight for her if he must. He knew his place as her future husband and king if she was to be his wife and queen. He eventually fell asleep in front of the fire, hoping that all would be successful and it would be only be one more night until he saw Eleri again.

The morning was much too bright as Conri walked outside. The sun shining down on the snow hurt his eyes after his restless night of sleep. He rubbed them as he stepped onto the front lawn of Cadwin manor, seeing who he believed was Efa near a large tree.

“Are you just now rising, your highness?” said Efa with a small laugh as Conri neared her.

He realized she was not alone, as Grace slightly moved back from her, pulling a piece of hair out her face. He started to feel guilty, afraid he had interrupted a moment between them.

“I am sorry to disturb you. Efa. I thought you were alone out here. I didn’t see you, Grace. This blasted sun is killing my eyes.”

“You interrupted nothing, Prince Conri,” said Grace. “Efa and I got up early to watch the sunrise out in the field. We slowly made our way back to the house, and it is past time we return. I told Lady Havens I would assist her with some knitting for the children on the estate, so I should go.”

Efa pulled her close and kissed her gently while Conri looked away. “I will see you at lunch.”

Grace smiled at Conri as she walked by him before Efa came near him. “I hope that doesn’t make you uncomfortable, but the older I get, the more I hate hiding my love for Grace like I am ashamed of it.”

“It does not make me uncomfortable,” said Conri offering Efa his arm. “I am only sorry I interrupted you this morning. I know she must be worried about you traveling to Niamhan.”

Efa took his arm, and they started walking along the low stone wall that led to the back lawn. “She may worry, but she knows what I am capable of. She is also very ready to have Eleri safe and sound. Grace loves Eleri very much. She takes much better care of her than I do when she comes to visit. Grace has so much maternal instinct that it is a shame she will never have children.”

“I am sure she has found others to mother, “said Conri.

“We have taken in many young charges over the years. Though after poor Millie, I don’t know if Grace’s heart can take anymore. She might have to wait until Eleri has children to practice her skills.”

“What of you? Did you never wish for children at all?” asked Conri.

“I enjoy children, but I never had the motherly instinct that Grace or even my sister had. I do love Eleri as close as I can to a daughter, though I should have been there more for her through the years. After Elen died, I buried my feelings in work and some need for revenge. I traveled around the land, trying to learn new spells. I dreamt of ways to destroy whoever killed my sweet sister. I worked to keep the family estate up. I almost lost Grace because of it. By the time I got my head on straight, Eleri was busy with her governess, tutors, and father.

“How did Eleri’s mother die, Efa?” asked Conri. “If it is too hard to talk about, I understand.”

“I can talk about it, but the truth is, no one really knows. She was out in the Red Forest one fall, collecting herbs and flowers for her stores. She was an avid potion maker and wanted to have plenty of supplies for the winter. She made Eleri stay behind with Ewan, thank the goddess. When she didn’t come home that evening, Ewan went out with a search party. He found her himself, near the stream.” Efa turned away for a moment. “He said it was as if she was sleeping, but when he got near, he realized the truth.

“He contacted me, and I came straight away to see her before they buried her. I could tell it was some powerful spell, though I don’t know how it got through. My sister was beyond talented. She could do spells without even thinking. I don’t know who could be strong enough to kill her or why they would do it.”

“That must have been an awful time,” said Conri. “I know I lost both of my parents, but I never knew them. Eleri must have been devastated, and poor Lord Cadwin, lost.”

“Ewan was almost inconsolable. Without Eleri, I think he might have died too. He only moved forward because of her.” She paused. “Have you ever seen the portrait of my sister?”

“I don’t believe so,” said Conri.

“Ewan keeps it in a little-used parlor as I think it hurts him to see it. Eleri has a miniature of her mother in her room, but I supposed you were too distracted to notice it when you were in there.”

“I did not see it,” confirmed Conri. “I would like to see what she looked like.”

“Come somewhere with me first,” said Efa. “Then I will take you.”

He nodded, and they walked along the stone wall until they came to the tree line. From there, Efa took him through the trees and up a small hill until they came to a clearing. They stopped in front of a rectangular stone slab with a moon carved upon it. On top was a fresh bouquet of winter roses.

“Ewan has been here recently,” said Efa. “I suppose he comes often.” She turned to Conri. “Prince Conri, you should be officially introduced to my sister since you are in love with her daughter.”

“Oh, this is where…” said Conri.

Efa nodded. “This is where we put Elen to rest. It was her favorite spot on the estate. I believe she and Ewan came here often. I know she is safe with the moon goddess and gods, but I still like to come here sometimes and talk with my sister.”

Conri moved closer towards the stone. “It is good to meet you, Lady Cadwin. Nothing has given me more joy than getting to know your charming daughter. I believe much of the good in her is due to you.”

“I can almost hear my dear sister laugh at your flattery, your highness,” said Efa. “She would tell you that her husband had much more to do with it.”

Conri grinned. “Eleri spoke of you to me. She said you were the most beautiful woman she had ever seen, so I know her beauty must come from you.”

“All but her lovely eyes,” said Efa. “Those have to be due to Ewan, though his are not as bright as hers.”

“I wish you were still around for your daughter. She misses you terribly.” He looked down as he fidgeted with his hands. “She is in danger now, and I fear it is my fault, but I will not let her be harmed again. Too much has hurt her in this world. I promise you that I will save her, and then I will protect her with everything, even my own life.”

Efa walked up to him and took his hand.”I believe Elen would have like you, even loved you. She would say Eleri’s pain is not your fault, Conri. I know you love my niece.”

“I do. How can I love her even more now than I did a month ago? I haven’t even seen her, but I know my love for her is stronger now than ever before.”

“Her being away has made you long for her. You grew so close, so fast that now you feel strange without her near. It will only make your reunion sweeter. Perhaps her memories have all come back, and you can be as you were before her injury.”

He nodded and moved forward to touch the stone slab. “I promise that I will always watch over Eleri, even if she does not choose me. I know how special she is, and all I want is for her to be happy and at peace. I do hope I am the man she finds both with, but whatever she does, my love for her will not change.”

Efa moved close to Conri and put her hand on the stone. “I know I did not do as I should when you left. You told me to watch out for Eleri and Ewan should something happen to you, and for a few years, I forgot that. It will not happen again. I will see them both safe in this land.

“I will help them put our rightful king in his place, and I believe your daughter will rule beside him. Not because of some prophecy as you feared, but because she has found her match in our prince. You always wanted her to find a love like you did, and I believe she has.”

Conri looked up and smiled at Efa before raising his hand, kissing two of his fingers, and laying them back on the stone. “I shall come to visit you again soon, and I will bring your daughter.”

“Stay at peace, dear Elen,” said Efa as she patted the stone.

They walked into the house together, leaving their cloaks with servants at the door. Efa led him away from the main parlor down the hall past Lord Cadwin’s study to a room not far from where Selven liked to spend his evenings. When she opened the door, it creaked, and the space inside was chilly as no fire was lit.

Efa threw her hand out, and the room’s candles were lit, including the ones on the mantle. Conri looked above the mantle to see a large portrait of a beautiful woman that looked very familiar to Conri. Eleri definitely had her mother’s smile and nose. Both of their noses crinkled and lifted in just the same way. Her hair was a lighter color red than Eleri’s, but it curled just like hers. It ran down her shoulders in the portrait and out of frame.

“She was very lovely,” said Conri as he looked at her blue eyes. “Where her eyes really that color?”

“There were,” said Efa. “You can see they are shaped much like Eleri’s, and I believe she has many of her mother’s features.”

“Her smile and nose are very much the same, but Eleri has a softer jaw, and when she smiles, her cheeks turn a little rosy. Your sister was a beautiful woman, but I think her daughter might be more so.”

“Spoken like a lover, your highness,” said Efa as she looked up at the portrait. “But I will not disagree with you. They are two different unique women. While Eleri has many of her mother’s looks and much of her personality, there is something unique about her. She is a little wilder and a little fiercer, and I don’t mean that negatively. She also has her father’s intelligence and gift for reading people. She might be the perfect combination of her parents, which makes her a force.”

“She is a force, a powerful one,” said Conri as he looked down at the mantle to see some smaller portraits. There was one of a young girl that Conri recognized as Eleri. He picked it up and examined it. He guessed Eleri was around eight or nine. She had a round chubby face and large bright green eyes. Her curly hair flowed around her, and she was almost laughing in the portrait.

“She was a mischievous little thing,” said Efa as she looked at the portrait in Conri’s hand. “Always running around and laughing. Every day was an adventure to her. She changed after Elen’s death. She still found joy in life, but she was slower to laugh and more cautious. She stayed closer to her father. I think she could sense he needed her. It became one of her goals to please him.”

Conri carefully put the portrait back in his place as Efa walked to another part of the room.

“Let me see if it is here,” she said, looking on a table. “Here it is.” She picked up a miniature and handed it to Conri. “This was done just before her twentieth birthday, so it is very recent. Ewan had a few copies made. He keeps one in his study, and one is in my home in the woods. I think you should have this one.”

Conri looked down at the miniature to see such a perfect replication of Eleri that it made his heart beat faster. He lightly touched it, remembering what it was like to kiss her full lips and touch her soft skin. “Are you sure,” he asked?

“I am. I only wished I had thought of it earlier. I know you will keep it safe.”

He looked at it for a bit longer before putting it in his pocket. “I will keep it very safe, and I will see Eleri safe as well.”

“I have no doubt, your highness,” said Efa as she took his arm. “Let us go find something to eat. I missed breakfast, and I am sure you did not eat either.”

He walked with her out of the room, looking at the portrait of Eleri’s mother one more time as he silently promised again to save her daughter.